The arabidopsis cellulose synthase complex: A proposed hexamer of cesa trimers in an equimolar stoichiometryw

Joseph L. Hill, Mustafa B. Hammudi, Ming Tien

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

159 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cellulose is the most abundant renewable polymer on Earth and a major component of the plant cell wall. In vascular plants, cellulose synthesis is catalyzed by a large, plasma membrane-localized cellulose synthase complex (CSC), visualized as a hexameric rosette structure. Three unique cellulose synthase (CESA) isoforms are required for CSC assembly and function. However, elucidation of either the number or stoichiometry of CESAs within the CSC has remained elusive. In this study, we show a 1:1:1 stoichiometry between the three Arabidopsis thaliana secondary cell wall isozymes: CESA4, CESA7, and CESA8. This ratio was determined utilizing a simple but elegant method of quantitative immunoblotting using isoform-specific antibodies and 35S-labeled protein standards for each CESA. Additionally, the observed equimolar stoichiometry was found to be fixed along the axis of the stem, which represents a developmental gradient. Our results complement recent spectroscopic analyses pointing toward an 18-chain cellulose microfibril. Taken together, we propose that the CSC is composed of a hexamer of catalytically active CESA trimers, with each CESA in equimolar amounts.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)4834-4842
Number of pages9
JournalPlant Cell
Volume26
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Plant Science
  • Cell Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The arabidopsis cellulose synthase complex: A proposed hexamer of cesa trimers in an equimolar stoichiometryw'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this